Cardinals fans were left furious Monday night to see less of the team’s beloved cheerleaders, who were reportedly forced to watch much of Arizona’s victory over the Los Angeles Chargers from their locker room.
The cheerleaders were relocated to allow better sight lines and reduce sideline congestion following the addition of new field-level seating this season, the team said in a statement.
“This has included certain aspects of our games entertainment group, such as cheerleaders and flag bearers, who are only on the field when performing,” read the statement provided to DailyMail.com. “We will continue to evaluate these areas throughout the season to provide the cleanest and safest environment for everyone.”
But according to Fox 10 Phoenixthose cheerleaders have been relocated to their own locker rooms and away from their fanatical fans. Furthermore, with few exceptions, cThe leader’s performances were limited to halftime and breaks between quarters.
Since then, Cardinals fans and former cheerleaders have expressed their discontent with the help of a social media hashtag: ‘#KeepAZCCOnTheField.’
Arizona Cardinals cheerleader performs during NFL game at State Farm Stadium.
Cardinals cheerleaders perform during a game at State Farm Stadium on Sept. 29.
‘Were cheerleaders pulled from the bench for ‘blocking views’ at @AZCardinals games?’ asked one fan online. ‘If you go to a game you already know there will be cheerleaders. That’s not an obstruction, it’s an expected improvement to the in-person gaming experience. #KeepAZCCOnTheField.’
Aside from the male audience, several mothers expressed concern that their daughters would not be able to see their favorite dance team during the games.
‘This is absolutely scandalous!’ one woman wrote on What a terrible thing to do to a group of women who have worked hard to get here! #KeepAZCCOnTheField.’
“The cheerleaders are as much a part of the game as the players,” another added. ‘Keep them in the field. They keep spirits high and play a key role in keeping the crowd excited at key moments. This is just a measure by the owners to maximize seat revenue. The applause sets off the twelfth man. “The stadiums need them.”
The Arizona Cardinals cheerleaders pose together after their season opener.
A former cheerleader took the side of the current dancers in comments to Phoenix’s Fox 10 show.
“When I was on the team, seeing all the girls in the stands was my favorite thing,” Davis Berryhill said. ‘For them, seeing a woman can be in professional sports. A woman can be in the NFL. “I think having that representation of women is really important.”
But another former Cardinals cheerleader had a different take on the situation.
Explaining that the dance team was blocking some fans’ views, he sided with spectators who want to focus on the game.
“What about the guy who really can’t afford to go to a game, but saves up and buys a ticket to finally see for himself what the whole game day experience is all about?” Dionna Greene asked on Instagram. “These are all amateurs and one is not more important than the other.”
The Cardinals will be in Miami on Sunday, but will return home on Nov. 3 for their Week 9 matchup against the Chicago Bears.